I found this article of interest in Global CIO today. I think devices offer great opportunities for innovation. I've included my comments below for your convenience.
As a business and I/T management consultant, I've been using an HP tablet for about 3 years. When working in the office, I attach it to a keyboard and 19" monitor. When traveling, it weighs less than 5 pounds so it is easy to carry. It has full media capability, so it is my entertainment too. Battery life is, of course, the biggest challenge. But I would never go back to a desktop computer that is heavy and hard to store, clean, and access for connectivity!
Recently, I met with Nicholas Renter from Merrill DataSite. He had a MacBook Air with an AirCard, gave me a product demo of very high quality and there was no "wait time." Later, I got a newsletter from the same company. When I clicked on one of the articles, I was prompted to register. I received a follow-up email from the company's president, Ed Bifulk, telling me about a customized site created for me, in my name, where I can access my articles of interest. That's pretty impressive.
While I often take a brochure when meeting with business people, I've recently changed that approach and have a presentation ready on my tablet instead. Sometimes I use it and sometimes I don't. It depends on the setting and how the meeting progresses. If I don't use it, I have it ready to send immediately after the meeting concludes. The benefits? Well, it is a "green" solution, reduces costs, maximizes my efficiency and presents some creative opportunities as I can access other material on my tablet if I need it.
IT needs to pro-actively test and distribute the devices and the software/mobile solutions that can bring great benefits to employees and customers. The time for a "wait and see" mindset is over. Think innovation - that's what the leadership of your company and your customers want. I "get" all the security and management implications. But if you don't do it, someone else will!
The other suggestion I have is for vendors. Apple should wake up and realize that it can take a substantial share of the tablet, mobile and application market for business organizations and users. Add the features we need. Make that market a focus. For the rest of the vendors, start improving your devices, support and customer focus because Apple may wake up or begin to dominate in spite of itself. Watch the Christmas market for the iPad - I bet it will be phenomenal!
